PAINTING helped a frontline NHS worker overcome her mental health issues during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Zoe Walker from Yarnton says art can 'dramatically change lives'.

The 28-year-old, who has lived in Oxfordshire for two years, is both an abstract painter and works in administration at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

She worked at Bicester Community Hospital from April to August this year during the peak of the pandemic where she said the experience had a 'huge affect' on her mental health.

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She said: "It was scary at times during the height of the pandemic, not only because I’ve never worked in a hospital before but also because there were Covid patients on the ward.

"It was sometimes very fast paced and other times very quiet and the days were long and slow, but I was constantly reminded by the lovely staff and the patients there that my work and contribution was much appreciated."

Oxford Mail:

Ms Walker says the only thing that helped her through this time was art.

She added: "Art helps me to escape from reality. I experiment with breathing techniques whilst I paint which creates peace and calmness in my mind.

"Without having art to come home to in the evenings, I would have spiralled out of control and my mental health would have increased rapidly."

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Ms Walker has been creating and selling paintings for five years now after graduating with a degree in textiles for fashion and interiors.

She said: "I’ve been selling my paintings ever since, along side other jobs but never really pushed myself to excel in my business.

"However, this year the pandemic, my redeployment, very low times with my mental health and healing myself through art, have all been motivation for me to step into my power and do what I’m here to do.

Oxford Mail:

"This includes, creating, inspiring and empowering others through my work."

The artist sells her paintings online via her website, Instagram and Facebook and has recently started doing videos on video-sharing network TikTok.

She says her art business has been the busiest it has ever been and hopes to launch online workshops soon which will incorporate mindfulness and creativity to help others who are experiencing mental health issues.

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She said: "I want to express the importance of art and the arts industry and how it can dramatically change lives. Seeing both sides of what’s in the media right now regarding the art industry and working on the frontline in the NHS, I can honestly say both industries are as important as each other.

Oxford Mail:

"We need all types of people to contribute to not only save lives but also prevent lives being lost and this is achievable through creativity."

Ms Walker has set up a podcast series for people to gain an insight into how she looks after her mental health and to inspire others.